Hand-Held Controller with Pressure-Sensing Switch for Virtual-Reality Systems

ABSTRACT

A method is performed at a virtual-reality system that includes a head-mounted display (HMD) and a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller includes a grip, a user-input surface, and a tracking ring. the user-input surface includes a user-input key that is mounted on the grip, and the user input key includes an analog pressure sensor. The tracking ring is coupled to the user-input surface and the tracking ring includes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the tracking ring. The method displays an image of a hand on the HMD, and senses pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor by a user holding the hand-held controller and wearing the HMD. The method displays, on the HMD, the degree of closing the image of the hand in proportion to the pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/870,631, filed Jan. 12, 2018, entitled “Hand-Held Controller withPressure-Sensing Switch for Virtual-Reality Systems,” which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/737,185, filed Jun. 11,2015, entitled “Hand-Held Controller with Pressure-Sensing Switch forVirtual-Reality Systems,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,870,052, each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to gaming entertainment andvirtual-reality systems, and more specifically to hand-held controllersincluding user-input keys having switches with sensors configured todetect and distinguish between a range of pressures applied to theuser-input keys.

BACKGROUND

Gaming entertainment systems typically include a hand-held controller orother controller. A user manipulates the hand-held controller to sendcommands or other instructions to the gaming entertainment system tocontrol a video game or other simulation. For example, the hand-heldcontroller may be provided with several user-input keys such as buttonsor knobs operated by the user, for example a joystick.

Conventional gaming controllers typically merely provide user-inputkeys, e.g., buttons or knobs for manipulation by the user, where each ofthe buttons or knobs corresponds to a desired action to be carried outon a display of the gaming entertainment or virtual-reality system. Thebuttons or knobs are operated by the user applying some form of force,such as pressing, pushing or pulling the buttons or knobs in order for adesired action to be carried out.

Conventional hand-held controllers are configured such that an inputprovided by the user such as pushing, pulling or pressing the user-inputkeys corresponds to one of two states of each user-key—an on state andan off state of a switch associated with the corresponding user-inputkey. Therefore, manipulation of the conventional user-input keys islimited to the on or off state of the associated switches and fails tocontrol a degree to which an action is performed (e.g., by an imagesubject in virtual-reality).

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for hand-held controllers having user-inputkeys capable of controlling a degree to which actions are performed invirtual-reality as a result of the user manipulating the user-inputkeys. Such hand-held controllers include switches (e.g., analog throwswitches) with pressure-sensitive sensors configured to detect anddistinguish between a range of pressures applied to the user-input keys,thus providing variable output representing not only on/off states ofthe switch, but also intermediate states of the switch.

In accordance with some embodiments, a hand-held controller for avirtual-reality system includes a grip extending from a proximal end toa distal end, and a first user-input key mounted at least in part on thegrip. The first user-input key includes a casing depressible by one ormore fingers of a user, and a switch coupled to the casing. The switchincludes a sensor configured to detect and distinguish between a rangeof pressures applied to the casing.

In some embodiments, the switch comprises an analog throw switch.

In some embodiments, the analog throw switch is mounted in the casing ata position on the grip configured to be depressed by a middle finger ofthe user.

In some embodiments, the first user-input key comprises a trigger.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises an analog pressure-sensitivesensor to sense pressures applied to the casing of the first user-inputkey. The sensed pressures are within the range of pressures.

In some embodiments, the casing is positioned within a recess of thegrip and the switch is positioned in the casing.

In some embodiments, increased pressure applied to the first user-inputkey corresponds to a closing of the user's hand in virtual-reality anddecreased pressure applied to the first user-input key corresponds to anopening of the user's hand in virtual-reality.

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller further includes auser-input surface including a second user-input key. The grip iscoupled to and extends at an angle from the user-input surface.

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller further includes a cagecoupled to the user-input surface and having an outer surface. The cageincludes a plurality of illumination sources on the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller further includes astructural web coupling the cage to the user-input surface.

In some embodiments, the first user-input key is further mounted atleast in part on the structural web.

In some embodiments, the plurality of illumination sources comprises aplurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller further includes a powersource to supply power to the user-input surface, the switch and theplurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the plurality of illumination sources comprises aplurality of passive reflectors.

In some embodiments, the cage is detachably coupled to at least one ofthe user-input surface and the grip.

In some embodiments, the user-input surface forms an inner front surfaceof the cage.

In some embodiments, the user-input surface comprises a plurality ofuser-input keys including the second user-input key. Respectiveuser-input keys of the plurality of user-input keys are selected fromthe group consisting of a thumbstick, a button, a trigger, and adirectional pad.

In some embodiments, the first user-input key is selected from the groupconsisting of a button and a trigger.

In accordance with some embodiments, a hand-held controller for avirtual-reality system includes a user-input surface, a grip extendingat an angle from the user-input surface, and a first user-input keymounted at least in part on the grip. The first user-input key includesa casing positioned within a recess of the grip and depressible by oneor more fingers of a user, and an analog throw switch mounted in thecasing. The analog throw switch includes an analog pressure-sensitivesensor configured to sense and distinguish a range of pressures appliedto the first user-input key. The hand-held controller also includes asecond user-input key situated on the user-input surface, and a cagecoupled to the user-input surface. The cage includes a plurality ofillumination sources on an outer surface of the cage. The hand-heldcontroller additionally includes a structural web coupling the cage tothe user-input surface, and a power source configured to supply power tothe user-input surface, the analog throw switch and the cage.

In some embodiments, increased pressure applied to the first user-inputkey corresponds to a closing of the user's hand in virtual-reality anddecreased pressure applied to the first user-input key corresponds to anopening of the user's hand in virtual-reality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments,reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, inconjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary hand-heldcontroller in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates another isometric view of the exemplary hand-heldcontroller in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a user-input key with ananalog throw switch in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration ofthe exemplary hand-held controller having at least one user-input keywith an analog throw switch in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes hand-held controllers having at leastone user-input key including a switch to detect and distinguish betweena range of pressures applied to the user-input key(s). For example, ananalog throw switch has a pressure-sensitive analog sensor configured tosense pressures within the range that are applied to a correspondinguser-input key. In some embodiments, a sensing of an increased pressureapplied to the user-input key corresponds to a motion in virtual-realityof an image subject closing their hand (e.g., clenching fingers into afist). A sensing of a reduced pressure applied to the user-input key(i.e., a user releasing the user-input key) corresponds to an opening ofthe image subject's hand in virtual-reality (e.g., unclenching thefist). The analog throw switch is thus configured to detect anddistinguish between a range of pressures applied to the user-input,thereby controlling the degree to which an action is performed (e.g.,degree of opening or closing of the user's hands to be modeled andperformed in virtual-reality).

Reference will now be made to embodiments, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide anunderstanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various describedembodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, andnetworks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used onlyto distinguish one element from another. For example, a first user-inputkey could be termed a second user-input key, and, similarly, a seconduser-input key could be termed a first user-input key, without departingfrom the scope of the various described embodiments. The firstuser-input key and the second user-input key are both user-input keys,but they are not the same user-input key.

The terminology used in the description of the various describedembodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thedescription of the various described embodiments and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. The term “exemplary” is used herein in the senseof “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and not in thesense of “representing the best of its kind.”

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a hand-held controller 100 in accordancewith some embodiments. The hand-held controller 100 generally comprisesa grip 130 extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a firstuser-input key 190 (e.g., a trigger) mounted partially on the grip 130.(Alternatively, the first user-input key 190 is mounted entirely on thegrip 130.) The first user-input key 190 is mounted at a position on thegrip 130 between the proximal and distal ends configured for easy accessby one or more fingers of the user. The first user-input key 190comprises a casing 180 which is depressible by the one or more fingersof the user and a switch 185 coupled to the casing 180. In someembodiments, the switch 185 includes a sensor 187 (shown in FIG. 3)configured to detect and distinguish between a range of pressuresapplied to the casing 185.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a user-input key (e.g., thefirst user-input key 190) with an analog throw switch in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the casing 180 is positionedwithin a recess 135 of the grip so as to be depressible and retractablewithin the recess 135 as the user's finger(s) apply pressure to thefirst user-input key 190. The casing 180 may be configured with aconcave shape so as to provide an outer surface with a concave geometrymatching the curvature of the user's fingers, thereby providing ease ofgripping the first user-input key 190. In other embodiments, the casing180 may alternatively be configured with a convex shape where a portionof the outer surface of the casing 180 protrudes outwards from the griptowards the user's hand. The switch 185 is positioned in the casing andcoupled to the casing so as to be depressed and retract proportionallywith the first-user input key 190 when the user applies pressure to thecasing 180 to activate the first user-input key 190.

In some embodiments, the first user-input key 190 and the grip 130 areeach formed of a rubber material or a hard plastic material. The grip130 and/or the first user-input key 190 may be formed of an over-moldedrubber material so as to have a surface providing sufficient frictionwith the user's palm and finger(s) thus improving the grip. In someembodiments, the grip 130 and/or the first user-input key 190 may beformed of a hard plastic, including, but not limited to high densitypolyethylene providing increased rigidity in structure. Additionally,any other suitable materials may be used. In some embodiments, the firstuser-input key 190 is selected from the group consisting of a button anda trigger.

In some embodiments, the switch 187 comprises an analog throw switch(e.g., an analog long-throw switch). The analog throw switch may beconfigured with an elastic switch arm 189 which contacts an innersurface of the casing 180 and compresses in one direction proportionallyto the extent of depression of the casing 180 when pressure is appliedto the first user-input key 190 by the user's finger(s). The elasticswitch arm 189 is configured to correspondingly expand, in a directionopposite to that of the compression and in proportion to the extent ofrising back towards the un-depressed position of the first user-inputkey 190, when the pressure is released from the first user-input key 190as the user loosens and/or releases a grip of the finger(s) on thecasing 180. The pressure provided by the user's finger(s) on the firstuser-input key 190 thus pushes the switch arm 189 in one direction asapplied pressure increases. As the pressure is reduced or released theswitch arm 189 reverts back in the opposite direction towards theoriginal un-depressed state. In some embodiments the switch arm 189 mayinclude a spring capable of resiliently compressing and expanding inresponse to the application and release of pressure to the firstuser-input key 190 by the user.

In other embodiments, the analog throw switch may include the sensor 187without the elastic switch arm 189. In these embodiments, the sensor maybe configured of a conductive material such as copper coupled to arubber material, a spring material, or any other suitable elasticmaterial capable of resiliently compressing and expanding in response tothe application and release of pressure to the first user-input key 190by the user.

In some embodiments, the analog throw switch 185 comprises, but is notlimited to an analog single-throw switch or an analog dual-throw switchresponsive to pressure applied to the first user-input key 190 dependingon a number of first user-input keys 190 and on a number of hand-heldcontroller circuits. The switch arm 189 is configured to compressproportionally to the pressure applied to the casing 180 and configuredto transfer the pressure to an adjacent surface of the sensor 187. Giventhis configuration, the analog throw switch 185 allows a user todetermine more than simple presence or absence of pressure on theuser-input surface as a traditional on-off switch does. The analog throwswitch 185 provides an analog output signal to the controller 200 whichis proportional to the pressure between the sensor 187 and the casing ofthe first user-input key 190.

In some embodiments, the analog throw switch 185 is mounted in thecasing 180 at a position on the grip configured to be depressed by amiddle finger of the user.

In some embodiments, the sensor 187 comprises an analogpressure-sensitive sensor to sense pressures applied to the casing 180of the first user-input key 190. The analog pressure-sensitive sensor187 is configured to measure a range of pressures from a first thresholdpressure, e.g., zero, corresponding to a position where the firstuser-input key 190 is in an un-depressed (i.e. raised) state to a secondthreshold pressure corresponding to a position where the firstuser-input key 190 is in a fully depressed state. The analogpressure-sensitive sensor is configured to receive a range of pressureinputs applied by the user's finger(s) and for each pressure input toprovide an analog output proportional to the sensed pressure provided byuser's finger(s) depressing or releasing the casing 180. In someembodiments, the analog pressure-sensitive sensor 187 is configured witha transducer to convert each sensed pressure input into an analogelectrical signal and output the analog electrical signal to acontroller for display as an action of the image subject invirtual-reality.

In some embodiments, the analog pressure-sensitive sensor 187 may beconfigured of any one or any combination of materials selected form thegroup comprising of copper, carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium,nickel, phosphorus, tungsten, magnesium, tin, sulfur and iron.

In some embodiments, sensor 187 may be a displacement sensor configuredto sense a range of positions of the first-user input key 190 from afirst threshold position where the first user-input key 190 is in anoriginal un-depressed state up to a second threshold positioncorresponding to a position where the first user-input key 190 is in afully depressed state. The displacement sensor 187 is configured tosense a change in position of the first-user input key 190 as the firstuser-input key 190 is being depressed or released. The displacementsensor 187 is configured to receive a series of positions of the firstuser-input key 190 as inputs and for each consecutive pair of positioninputs to provide an analog output proportional to the senseddisplacement of the first user-input key 190 as a result of the user'sfinger(s) depressing or releasing the casing 180. In some embodiments,the displacement sensor is configured with a transducer to convert eachinput into an analog electrical signal and output the analog electricalsignal to a controller for display as an action of the image subject invirtual-reality.

In some embodiments, increased pressure applied to the first user-inputkey 190 corresponds to a closing of the user's hand in virtual-realityand decreased pressure applied to the first user-input key 190corresponds to an opening of the user's hand in virtual-reality. Forexample, when the user depresses the first-user input key 190 from theinitial un-depressed state, the analog pressure-sensitive sensor 187senses an increase in pressure and a mechanical force corresponding tothe input pressure is converted by the sensor to an electrical signalwhich is then output to the controller 200. The controller 200 of thehand-held controller 100 is configured to communicate with a displayand/or processor of the virtual-reality system to display a degree ofclosing of the hand of the image subject in virtual-reality inproportion to the pressure applied. That is, if the user applies apressure equal to the second threshold pressure from an initialun-depressed position of the first user-input key 190, the image subjectis displayed as completely closing an initially open hand.

When the user subsequently releases the first-user input key 190 fromthe fully depressed state, the analog pressure-sensitive sensor 187senses a decrease in pressure and a mechanical force corresponding tothe reduced pressure is converted by the sensor to an electrical signalwhich is then output to the controller 200. The controller 200 of thehand-held controller 100 is configured to communicate with the displayand/or processor of the virtual-reality system to display a degree ofopening of the hand of the image subject in virtual-reality inproportion to the pressure applied. For example, if the user reduces thepressure applied to an amount in between the first and second thresholdpressure values, thereby allowing the first user-input key 190 to beraised in position (e.g., towards the outer surface of the grip), theimage subject is displayed as partially opening the hand from theaforementioned completely closed position. Similarly, if the userreduces the pressure applied up to the first threshold value (e.g.,zero) the image subject is displayed as fully opening the hand.

The state of the analog throw switch 185 thus represents opening andclosing of the hand of an image subject in virtual-reality. By grippingor letting go of the switch, opening or closing of the hand of the imagesubject may be simulated in the virtual environment. This provides theadvantage of allowing intermediate states of the analog throw switch tobe represented as partial opening or closing of the hand of the imagesubject, in contrast to a simple momentary on-off switch, which cannotrepresent partial opening or closing of the hand.

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller 100 further comprises auser-input surface including a second user-input key 120A. The grip 130is coupled at the proximal end to the user-input surface 110 and extendsfrom the proximal end to the distal end at an angle from the user-inputsurface 110. In some embodiments, the second user-input key 120A may beselected from the group consisting of a thumb stick, a button, atrigger, and a directional pad.

In some embodiments, the user-input surface 110 comprises a plurality ofuser-input keys 120B, and 120C in addition to the second user-input key120A. The respective user-input keys of the plurality of user-input keys120A, 120B, and 120C are selected from the group consisting of a thumbstick, a button, a trigger, and a directional pad.

The user-input keys 120A, 120B, 120C are buttons, knobs, switches,thumbsticks, directional pads, or any other such part that a usermanipulates in some way to carry out a specific action in avirtual-reality system (e.g., during gaming). In the example of FIG. 1and FIG. 2, the user input keys 120A, 120B and 120C include a thumbstick120A and buttons 120B and 120C. Thus, the user-input surface 110 is asurface on the controller where the user delivers an input by activatingone or more of the user-input keys (e.g. by pressing, pushing or pullingthe user-input keys 120A, 120B, and 120C) corresponding to an actionthat the user desires to carry out in the virtual-reality system.

Each of the user-input keys 120A, 120B, and 120C is configured tocommunicate with the virtual-reality system so as to translate anoperation of the user-input keys 120A, 120B and 120C by the user into acorresponding action in the virtual-reality environment.

In some embodiments, the user-input keys 120B and/or 120C may beselected from the group consisting of an A or X button, a B or Y button,a start button, a back button, a forward button, and a home button. TheA or B buttons may correspond to a selection action between at least twochoices presented to the user in the gaming system. The X or Y buttonmay correspond to a negative or affirmative decision to be made by theuser dictating how the image subject will proceed in the game. X maycorrespond to an action of “NO” or “END” and Y may correspond to “YES”or “PROCEED/CONTINUE.” The start button may be a button activated by theuser to begin the virtual-reality (e.g., gaming) experience, and theback and forward buttons may indicate a direction in which the userdesires the image subject to move. The home button may be a buttonactivated to return the gaming experience back to a main menu or tostart the game or activity from the beginning.

In some embodiments, the home button is positioned further away from theother user-input keys. This configuration would allow for user-inputkeys that are used most (e.g. a directional pad used to dictate adirection of movement of the image subject, e.g., up-down-left-right) tobe placed closer to the vicinity of the fingers and thumb. Thisconfiguration provides the advantage that the user would not need tooverreach fingers to activate the more frequently used user-input keys,thereby mitigating the possibility of ergonomic ailments associated withoverreaching and overstretching fingers.

In some embodiments, the grip 130 is coupled to the user-input surface110. The grip 130 is the protruding structure of the hand-heldcontroller 100 which the user grips in one hand to hold the hand-heldcontroller 100. This configuration allows for the user to be able togrip the hand-held controller 100 between a palm and fingers (e.g.,three or less fingers) while freeing up the thumb and, in someembodiments, another finger (e.g. the middle finger), for operating theuser-input keys 120A, 120B and 120C. In some embodiments, the middlefinger is freed to operate the first user-input key 190 mounted at leastin part on the grip 130.

In some embodiments the grip 130 is a separate part of the hand-heldcontroller 100 that is removably coupled to the user input surface 110and/or cage 140. The grip 130 and the user-input surface 110 may becoupled by a method appropriate for their materials of construction. Forexample, the grip 130 and user-input surface 110 may be formed of a hardplastic and may be coupled to each other by ultrasonic welding.Alternatively, the grip 130 and the user-input surface 110 may becoupled to each other by a fastening mechanism such as a screw or abolt, or may be threadedly engaged with each other.

In some embodiments, the grip 130 is slanted at a predetermined anglewith respect to the user-input surface 110 (e.g., with a plane throughthe user-input surface or a portion thereof) in order to provide acomfortable (e.g., optimum) ergonomic balance for a user between holdingthe grip in and using a thumb to operate the at least one user-inputkey.

In some embodiments, the hand-held controller 100 further comprises acage 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2) coupled to the user-input surface 110. In someembodiments, the grip 130 is integrally formed with the user-inputsurface 110 and/or the cage 140, as one part (e.g., which may be formedfrom molding).

In some embodiments, the cage 140, which may also be referred to as atracking cage, includes an outer surface 145 on which a plurality ofillumination sources 150 is positioned. The illumination sources 150 areconfigured to be positioned to be visible to an external image-capturingdevice (e.g., camera), which detects movement of the illuminationsources 150 when the user makes a motion (e.g., waving, swinging,punching, shaking, or any other hand motion) while holding the grip 130of the controller 100. In some embodiments, the cage 140 is positionedsuch that it is located above the user hand when the user holds the grip130 in a neutral position. Given this orientation, the outer surface 145is configured to be visible to the image-capturing device (e.g., aforward-looking camera on a head-mounted display worn by the user, oralternatively an external camera separate from the head-mounteddisplay). A neutral position refers to when users hold the controller100 in front of them with the grip 130 between palm and fingers andotherwise relax their arms and wrists.

In some embodiments, the illumination sources 150 are light emittingdiodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, the LEDs are infrared (IR) LEDs. TheLEDs may be positioned on the outer surface 145 of the cage 140 in anysuitable pattern, order, or array. For example, LEDs may be positionedlinearly, in a circular pattern, a rectangular pattern, a hexagonalpattern, or any other desired pattern to provide visibility to the imagecapture device. The LEDs may be fixedly or detachably positioned on thecage 140 by any appropriate method. For example, the LEDs may be mountedon or embedded within the outer surface 145 of the cage 140.Alternatively, the LEDs may be on a sleeve that surrounds the cage 140and effectively forms the outer surface 145 of the cage 140. Althoughthe LEDs are described as being positioned on the outer surface 145 ofthe cage 140, they may additionally or alternatively be coupled to anyother surface on the cage 140 and/or the rest of the controller 100.Additionally, the illumination sources 150 may be another type ofillumination source (e.g., passive reflectors configured to reflectlight provided by the camera back to the camera for detection ofpositions of the passive reflectors).

The LEDs are electrically connected to a power source which may or maynot be same power source providing power to at least one of (e.g., toall of) the user-input surface 110 and the switch 185 including thesensor 187. The hand-held controller 100 may be wireless; therefore, thepower source may be one or more batteries. The LEDs may be housed indiffused cases including a current limiting resistor to keep the currentfrom the power source to the LED below the LEDs maximum current ratingso as to ensure maximum life of the LEDs. The LEDs may be activated whena suitable voltage is applied. By virtue of the LEDs being configured tobe positioned in an area on the hand-held controller 100 detectable tothe image capture device, motion of the light produced by the LEDs thatis detected by the image capture device is used as an indication of thepositions and motion of the hand-held controller 100. In this way,motion of the hand-held controller 100 is tracked by the image capturedevice, allowing for corresponding virtual-reality hand motions to beshown. For example, when the user makes a punching motion while playinga boxing game, movement of the LEDs in a manner corresponding to a punchmay be detected and used to model the user's motion in virtual-reality.

In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the user-input surface 110 isoutward-facing with respect to the cage 140. Alternatively, theuser-input surface 110 may be inward-facing with respect to the cage140. For example, in some embodiments the user-input surface 110 formsan inner front surface of the cage 140 or is contiguous with the innersurface of the cage 140.

In some embodiments, the cage 140 may be formed of an over-molded rubbermaterial or the cage 140 or may be formed of a hard plastic, including,but not limited to high density polyethylene providing increasedrigidity in structure. Additionally, any other suitable materials may beused.

In some embodiments, the cage 140 may be detachably coupled to at leastone of the user-input surface 110 and the grip 130. The cage 140 may beslidably coupled to the user-input surface 110 through a protrusionspanning a width of each end portion of the cage 140 being slidablyengaged with a corresponding groove positioned on an outer circumferenceof the user-input surface 110. The cage 140 may be coupled to the grip130 through a fastening mechanism such as a bolt, a screw or the like.The detachable configuration of the cage 140 to the grip 130 or theuser-input surface 110 yields the advantage of separating theaforementioned components for calibration as necessary. Detachablecoupling of the components also allows for a separate and potentiallycheaper manufacturing process of the parts. Furthermore, detachablecoupling of the cage 140 to at least one of the user-input surface 110and the grip 130 allows for separation thereof upon dropping of thehand-held controller 100, thereby reducing the need to replace theentire unit upon damage, but instead focus on fixing/replacing theseparate damaged part.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the hand-heldcontroller 100 may further comprise a structural web 195 coupling thecage 140 to the user-input surface 110. The structural web 195 providesfurther rigidity in structure to the coupling between the cage 140 andthe user-input surface 110 to mitigate damage and separation of thesecomponents upon dropping of the hand-held controller 100 by the user.

In some embodiments, the first user-input key 190 is a trigger mountedat least in part on the structural web 195. That is, the trigger 190 maybe mounted between the structural web 190 and the grip 130. Thisconfiguration yields the advantage that the trigger is positionedadjacent to a location of a user's finger (e.g., middle finger) when thegrip 130 is held in the neutral position.

According to some embodiments, a hand-held controller 100 for avirtual-reality system comprises a user-input surface 110, a grip 130extending at an angle from the user-input surface 110, and a firstuser-input key 190 mounted at least in part on the grip 130. The firstuser-input key 190 comprises a casing 180 positioned within a recess 135of the grip 130 and depressible by one or more fingers of a user, and ananalog throw switch 185 mounted in the casing 180. The analog throwswitch 185 comprises an analog pressure-sensitive sensor 187 configuredto sense and distinguish a range of pressures applied to the firstuser-input key 190. The hand-held controller 100 further comprises asecond user-input key 120A situated on the user-input surface 110 and acage 140 coupled to the user-input surface 110. The cage 140 includes aplurality of illumination sources 150 on an outer surface 145 of thecage 140. The hand-held controller 100 further comprises a structuralweb 195 coupling the cage 140 to the user-input surface 110, and a powersource configured to supply power to the user-input surface 110, theanalog throw switch 185 and the cage 140.

In some embodiments, increased pressure applied to the first user-inputkey 190 corresponds to a closing of the user's hand in virtual-realityand decreased pressure applied to the first user-input key 190corresponds to an opening of the user's hand in virtual-reality, asdescribed previously in this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of anexemplary hand-held controller (e.g., hand-held controller 100) havingat least one user-input key 190 with an analog throw switch 185 inaccordance with some embodiments. The hand-held controller includes aninput board 402 and a main board 403 coupled to the input board 402. Theinput board 402 includes a trigger motion sensing device 425, athumbstick 430, buttons 435, and a capacitive touch controller 440. Inother examples, the input board 402 may include additional oralternative user-input keys. The trigger motion sensing device 425detects user activation of a trigger (e.g., trigger 190).

The capacitive touch controller 440 is coupled to multiple sensors 405,410, 415, and 420 such that the input board 402 receives sensed signalsfrom the sensors resulting from a user's finger manipulating a portion(e.g. user-input surface 110, and/or user input-keys 120A, 120B, 120C,and 190) of the hand-held controller 100. For example, the sensorsinclude a trigger sensor 405, a thumbstick sensor 410, an “A” buttonsensor 415, and/or a “B” button sensor 420. For example, the triggersensor 405 may sense when a user manipulates the trigger. Similarly, thethumbstick sensor 410 senses a signal resulting from the usermanipulating the manipulating the buttons 415 and 420. Other capacitivesensors may be included for other user-input keys (e.g., a directionalpad).

The mainboard 403 includes a controller 460 (e.g., the controller 200,FIG. 3), a haptics driver 465, an analog throw switch with sensor 475(e.g., the switch 185), power path 490, motion trackingsensors/processors 495 and an illumination source driver 480. Thehaptics driver 465 drives a haptics output device 470 that provideshaptic effects. An example of the haptics output device 470 includes ashort vibration feedback device that, when activated, causes thehand-held controller to vibrate. Additionally, the haptics device may beconfigured for use with the capacitive touch sensors, thereby providinga vibration feedback to the user of the determined location of theuser's finger corresponding to a desired action to be carried out invirtual-reality.

The mainboard 403 may be coupled to an antenna to wirelessly receive andtransmit signals. The hand-held controller (e.g., hand-held controller100) thus may be wireless. The mainboard 403 may also be coupled to apower source 450 to provide power supply to the controller 460. Thepower may be supplied to the mainboard 403 through a power path 490.

The illumination source driver 480 (e.g., LED driver) drivesillumination sources 485 (e.g., LEDs on the outer surface of the cage140) under the control of the controller 460, and thus turns theillumination sources 485 on or off.

The analog throw switch with sensor 475 is configured to detect anddistinguish between a range of pressures applied to the first user-inputkey (e.g. when a user activates the trigger 190) and this information isprocessed by the controller 460. The motion tracking sensors/processors495 include a plurality of motion sensors (e.g. accelerometers and/orgyroscopes) which tracks motion of the hand-held controller based onmotions made by the user.

Some embodiments are directed to two hand-held controllers—one to beheld in each of a user's hands. In some embodiments, the two hand-heldcontrollers may be identical, but for a position of at least one of theuser-input keys, so as to be adapted specifically for either a left orright hand in which the hand-held controller is to be held. The firsthand-held controller thus may be a right-handed controller and thesecond hand-held controller may be a left-handed controller. In otherembodiments, the two hand-held controllers may be agnostic with respectto handedness (e.g., with both hand-held controllers having the sameconfiguration of user-input keys, or with one hand-held controllerhaving a configuration of user-input keys different than the other).

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen in order to best explain theprinciples underlying the claims and their practical applications, tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usescontemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: in a virtual-reality systemcomprising a head-mounted display (HMD) and a hand-held controller,wherein: the hand-held controller comprises a grip, a user-inputsurface, and a tracking ring; the user-input surface includes auser-input key that is mounted, at least in part, on the grip, and theuser input key includes an analog pressure sensor; and the tracking ringis coupled to the user-input surface and the tracking ring includes aplurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the trackingring; the method comprising: displaying an image of a hand on the HMD;sensing pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor by a user holdingthe hand-held controller and wearing the HMD; and displaying, on theHMD, a degree of closing of the image of the hand in proportion to thepressure applied to the analog pressure sensor.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein: sensing the pressure applied to the analog pressure sensorcomprises sensing increased pressure being applied to the analogpressure sensor; and the displaying comprises displaying an animation ofthe image of the hand at least partially closing, in accordance with theincreased pressure.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein: the increasedpressure causes the user-input key to partially depress; and theanimation shows the image of the hand partially closing.
 4. The methodof claim 2, wherein: the increased pressure causes the user-input key tofully depress; and the animation shows the image of the hand fullyclosing.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: sensing the pressure appliedto the analog pressure sensor comprises sensing reduced pressure beingapplied to the analog pressure sensor; and the displaying comprisesdisplaying an animation of the image of the hand at least partiallyopening, in accordance with the reduced pressure.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein: the reduced pressure causes the user-input key to partiallyrelease from a fully depressed state; and the animation shows the imageof the hand partially opening.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein: thereduced pressure causes the user-input key to fully release from a fullydepressed state; and the animation shows the image of the hand fullyopening.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in thevirtual-reality system, at respective times: determining that thepressure applied to the analog pressure sensor corresponds to a firstthreshold pressure; determining that the pressure applied to the analogpressure sensor corresponds to a second threshold pressure greater thanthe first threshold pressure; and determining that the pressure appliedto the analog pressure sensor is between the first threshold pressureand the second threshold pressure; wherein the displaying comprises: inresponse to determining that the pressure applied to the analog pressuresensor corresponds to the first threshold pressure, displaying the imageof the hand as fully open on the HMD; in response to determining thatthe pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor corresponds to thesecond threshold pressure, displaying the image of the hand as fullyclosed on the HMD; and in response to determining that the pressureapplied to the analog pressure sensor is between the first thresholdpressure and the second threshold pressure, displaying the image of thehand as partially open.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: the firstthreshold pressure is zero pressure on the analog pressure sensor; andthe second threshold pressure corresponds to the user-input key beingfully depressed.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: the user-input keycomprises: a casing depressible by one or more fingers of the user; anda switch coupled to the casing, wherein the switch includes the analogpressure sensor.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein sensing thepressure applied to the analog pressure sensor comprises detecting arange of pressure inputs applied to the casing by the user.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein: the virtual-reality system comprises acontroller, distinct from the hand-held controller, to control the HMD;the analog pressure sensor comprises a transducer; and the methodfurther comprises, in the virtual-reality system: converting thepressure inputs into respective analog electrical signals, using thetransducer; and providing the respective analog electrical signals tothe controller for display as actions of the image of the hand.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the user-input key comprises a trigger. 14.The method of claim 10, wherein: the casing is positioned within arecess of the grip; and the switch is positioned in the casing.
 15. Avirtual-reality system, comprising: a head-mounted display (HMD); and ahand-held controller, wherein: the hand-held controller comprises agrip, a user-input surface, and a tracking ring; the user-input surfaceincludes a user-input key that is mounted, at least in part, on thegrip, wherein the user input key includes an analog pressure sensor; thetracking ring is coupled to the user-input surface and the tracking ringincludes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of thetracking ring; and the hand-held controller is configured to: display animage of a hand on the HMD; sense pressure applied to the analogpressure sensor by a user holding the hand-held controller and wearingthe HMD; and display, on the HMD, a degree of closing of the image ofthe hand in proportion to the pressure applied to the analog pressuresensor.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein: sensing the pressureapplied to the analog pressure sensor comprises sensing increasedpressure being applied to the analog pressure sensor; and the displayingcomprises displaying an animation of the image of the hand at leastpartially closing, in accordance with the increased pressure.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein: sensing the pressure applied to the analogpressure sensor comprises sensing reduced pressure being applied to theanalog pressure sensor; and the displaying comprises displaying ananimation of the image of the hand at least partially opening, inaccordance with the reduced pressure.
 18. The system of claim 15,wherein the hand-held controller is further configured to, at respectivetimes: determine that the pressure applied to the analog pressure sensorcorresponds to a first threshold pressure; determine that the pressureapplied to the analog pressure sensor corresponds to a second thresholdpressure greater than the first threshold pressure; and determine thatthe pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor is between the firstthreshold pressure and the second threshold pressure; wherein thedisplaying comprises: in response to determining that the pressureapplied to the analog pressure sensor corresponds to the first thresholdpressure, displaying the image of the hand as fully open on the HMD; inresponse to determining that the pressure applied to the analog pressuresensor corresponds to the second threshold pressure, displaying theimage of the hand as fully closed on the HMD; and in response todetermining that the pressure applied to the analog pressure sensor isbetween the first threshold pressure and the second threshold pressure,displaying the image of the hand as partially open.
 19. The system ofclaim 15, wherein: the user-input key comprises: a casing depressible byone or more fingers of the user; and a switch coupled to the casing,wherein the switch includes the analog pressure sensor.
 20. The systemof claim 15, wherein: the virtual-reality system comprises a controller,distinct from the hand-held controller, to control the HMD; the analogpressure sensor comprises a transducer; and the hand-held controller isfurther configured to: convert the pressure inputs into respectiveanalog electrical signals, using the transducer; and provide therespective analog electrical signals to the controller for display asactions of the image of the hand.